The Fiji Government duly recognizes sports as an industry as we move into this era of sports professionalism with the need to invest in
developing our elite athletes, increasing our levels of participation in sport and physical activity supported by coaches, technical officials and other specialists.
The Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports Mr.Rovereto Nayacalevu,while officially opening the 11th Fiji National Sporting Organisation (NSO) Conference held at the Harbour Point Convention Centre in Lami today(04.03.23),said that with Government’s inclusive approach, they are also currently reviewing the National Sports Policy to promote the participation of women and disabled persons in physical activities and encourage the participation of all Fijians irrespective of ethnicity,
gender or physical and mental ability.
“Recognizing the influence and importance of sport across our Fijian society, the National Sports Policy sets out our Vision for Fijian Sport in 2023 and beyond and defines the actions we will undertake to
achieve our ambitious goals,” PS Nayacalevu said.
The annual NSO Conference provides an opportunity for all Sports stakeholders to meet in a forum to review current direction and deliberate on issues relating to sports management and leadership in
Fiji .This serves as an important role that sets the platform to enable the progressive achievement of key agenda items and put forth new ideas and recommendations for discussion that allows Government to review support mechanisms it makes available to support Sports for all Fijians.
PS Nayacalevu said at this year’s conference one of the key agenda items for discussion and deliberation is soliciting views and thoughts on three key Policy documents namely, the Fiji National Sports Policy, The Fiji Anti-Doping Policy and the Fiji National Youth Policy.
He said the purpose of the national youth policy is to create conditions for learning, opportunity and experience which will enable the youth to develop knowledge, skills and competences. This allows young
people to be actors of democracy, integrate into society and, in particular, play an active role in both civil society and the labor market.
He added that the Anti-Doping Policy will also be reviewed with the target to protect the athlete’s right to participate in doping-free sport and thus promote health, fairness and equality for athletes worldwide. It will also ensure harmonized, coordinated and effective
anti-doping programs at the national and international levels to detect and prevent doping.
Also in attendance was the Chair of the Fiji National Sports Commission Mr.Maritino Nemani and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji National Sports Commission Mr. Peter Mazey.